Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad.

Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad.

      The specific amount varies depending on the device you select, but the offer does not apply to every Mac and iPad model.

      Apple has launched its Back to School promotion for 2026, replacing last year's free accessory bundle with gift cards. Eligible purchasers of a MacBook Pro will receive a $150 gift card, while those buying a MacBook Air, iPad Pro, or iPad Air will get a $100 gift card. This promotion is available in the US until August 27, and international versions may have different timelines and rewards.

      Not all devices qualify for the promotion.

      The gift card is in addition to the discounted prices available in Apple's education store. For example, a MacBook Air costs $1,199 (which is already $100 off the list price), and you'll still receive a $100 gift card. The same applies to the iPad Air starting at $699 or the iPad Pro beginning at $1,099. To qualify for the $150 gift card, you'll need to spend at least $1,899 on a 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro from the education store.

      Unfortunately, Apple's desktop Macs, the entry-level MacBook Neo, the iPad mini, and the base iPad are not included in the promotion, along with all iPhone and Apple Watch models. Thus, this deal will not be applicable for those products.

      The rewards are not uniform worldwide either. In some countries where the promotion has launched, such as China, Singapore, and Vietnam, students are receiving AirTags instead of gift cards. In India, buyers can choose between AirTags or AirPods 4 with a Mac purchase, or an Apple Pencil Pro with an iPad.

      A new requirement to meet first

      Since Apple has tightened verification for its education store this year, you must validate your student or staff status through UNiDAYS, either by logging into your school's academic portal or uploading an ID, before the discount and gift card can be applied at checkout. Most verifications are processed instantly, but some may require manual review, which can take up to 24 hours, so it's advisable to start this process prior to your purchase rather than waiting until the checkout stage.

      This year's Back to School promotion from Apple seems less appealing than in previous years, especially considering recent price increases across its Mac and iPad lineup. Thus, the gift card feels more like a partial refund than a true discount. If you're considering purchasing a new Mac or iPad, make sure to compare the total price, including the gift card, against other retailers before making your payment.

      Pranob is an experienced tech journalist with over eight years in consumer technology reporting. His work has focused on...

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Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad. Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad. Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad. Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad. Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad. Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad.

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Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 offers savings of up to $150 on a new Mac or iPad.

Apple's Back to School promotion for 2026 reintroduces gift cards valued at up to $150; however, the least expensive Mac and iPad models are not included in the offer.